League News
Summit Keynote: Louisville, Ky. Mayor
Jerry Abramson, the mayor of Louisville, Ky., has agreed to speak to National Bike Summit attendees as the luncheon keynote. Abramson and his staff have set aggressive goals for becoming a gold-level bicycle friendly community, and achieved bronze status in 2006—two years ahead of schedule. Find out how your community, and the country, can learn from Louisville. Register today—We’re going to Think: Bike! in 2007 and outline a national bicycling strategy for the coming decade.
Upcoming LCI Seminars
It’s a new year, you’ve turned over a new leaf, and you’re riding more than ever: Isn’t it time to become a League Cycling Instructor? These bicycling experts teach other cyclists how to ride, how to share the road, and how to encourage others to do so. There are seminars coming up in Washington, Florida and Alabama, with many more planned. Click here to sign up today.
Catch Up with the League
The League of American Bicyclists is spending some time on the road in the coming weeks. You can find us at a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop in Port Townsend, Wash. on Jan. 28 and at the Bellingham, Wash. city council meeting where they are receiving their silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation on Jan. 31. Andy Clarke and Elizabeth Preston will be presenting at the Bicycle Leadership Conference in San Diego, Calif., and we will also have a presence at the Transportation Research Board and NCUTCD meetings in the Washington, D.C. area this week.
National Update
Blumenauer Chosen for Ways & Means Committee
The House Democratic Steering Committee selected its slate of new members for the prestigious Ways and Means Committee. Named to the committee are Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Ron Kind (D-WI), William Pascrell (D-NJ), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Artur Davis (D-AL). All but two (Meek and Davis) are also Bike Caucus members.
Tariffs Waived on Specialty Bike Parts
Congress passed legislation in December introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to help boost the biking industry by waiving tariffs on seven specialty bike parts. Congressman Blumenauer is among Congress's most respected and outspoken bicycle advocates. Removing unnecessary costs will affect only specialty parts not manufactured in the U.S., helping to level the playing field for an important business.
Join the Safe Routes to School Conversation
The Diverse Communities Committee of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hosting three national roundtable discussions this month. The free roundtable events will be held via teleconference at 1 p.m. EST for 90 minutes and will discuss: Urban Communities: Tuesday, January 23, Students with Disabilities: Wednesday, January 24, and Rural Communities: Thursday, January 25. If you have experience with schools or students in these groups, RSVP to saferoutes@bikesbelong.org. Be sure to include your name, contact information, the organization or group you represent, and the calls that you would like to participate in. On January 22, all participants will receive additional information and the call-in number.
State & Local
Bicycling Jobs Available
Baltimore, Md: One Less CAr
One Less Car, Baltimore’s bicycle advocacy group, is looking for an executive director and part time events coordinator. The Executive Director is the principal executive officer of One Less Car, and as such advises, makes recommendations to, and assists in formulating policies for the Board of Directors; implements Board policies and directives; supervises and controls the business and affairs of the organization; and has direct supervisory responsibility for staff and volunteers. The Events Coordinator will direct the organization’s signature bicycling events. This is a part time position.
Seattle, WA: Cascade Bicycle Club
The Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC), the nation’s largest recreational bicycle club, is looking for a development director. The Club is involved in bicycle and transportation advocacy and, through our 501(c)(3) Education Foundation, bicycle safety and education. CBC is directed by an elected volunteer board of directors and has 16 paid staff. The Development Director will oversee the Development and Marketing Department, providing leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination for the Club's fundraising, marketing and branding efforts.
Good News from Outgoing Ohio Governor
League members joined hundreds of Ohioans in requesting that a red light camera usage bill be vetoed. Last week, their request was successful! Ohio’s outgoing governor vetoed the controversial measure to restrict red light camera usage by local governments (HB 56). This was Governor Bob Taft’s last official action on legislation.
Mass Bicycle Bill Vetoed at Last Minute
MassBike has announced that Lt. Governor Kerry Healey has vetoed the Bicycle Safety Bill, H5372. From the brief veto letter, it appears that Healey misunderstood the intent of the bill, believing it to impose new regulation on “recreational affairs.” Instead, the bill would have strengthened the laws that protect all bicyclists from dangerous motorist behaviors such as unsafe passing and turning, "dooring," required the police to receive training on bicycling issues, and provided for the evenhanded enforcement of the law for motorists and bicyclists. Thanks to the League members who wrote in on behalf of this bill.
